Zigzag

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Almost all modern machines offer a Tension zigzag stitch—a configuration that takes A zigzag stitch should lie flat against the one stitch to the left and one stitch to the fabric without tunneling. On some right. lightweight fabrics, it may be necessary to To use a zigzag stitch, install a use a stabilizer underneath when sewing with a wide hole and a needle plate with a on a single layer. similarly shaped hole. Without these, the Seaming needle will hit the foot and/or needle plate opening and break. For dense zigzagging When used to stitch a , a narrow or satin stitching, be sure the presser foot zigzag allows flexibility and it's particularly has an indentation on the underside to good for knit fabrics or wovens made with allow the stitch build-up to pass through stretch fibers. Using a zigzag for seaming easily (1). helps to eliminate breakage and subsequent tears in areas subjected to stress. Depending on the stitch width, it may be difficult to press seams open that have been stitched with a zigzag, so both seam allowances may simply be pressed to one side.

Seam Finishing To help control fraying, zigzagging can be 1 used to finish edges. This may be done on the single-layer seam Length and Width allowance, or on both together. Fabric may be trimmed close to a zigzag edge to The zigzag stitch width and length can be prevent raveling. adjusted to change the appearance of the stitch. The length refers to the distance Hemming between the stitches, and the width refers A zigzag is often used for hemming to the horizontal span. Depending on the stretchable garments, like knit T-shirts or machine, these may be pre-set options, or pants. Because of its inherent flexibility, the they may be is able to stretch without breaking adjustable, with stitches. larger numbers being wider When used on knits, a zigzag stitch can also and/or stitches create a lettuce hem. Simply stretch the farther apart (2). hem of the garment as you stitch.

Couching A zigzag is the perfect stitch to hold down or novelty threads. When sewn with invisible thread, it provides a secure hold and lets the character of the strands show through. When sewn with a decorative 2 thread, the stitch itself becomes a design feature. Zigzag Stitch

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Appliqué Decorative Stitching An open zigzag or a satin stitch holds appliqués Combine a simple zigzag with decorative threads, and securely, covering raw edges with the threads of the the stitch becomes an . Used singly or in stitch to prevent fraying. multiple rows, it can create borders, stripes or other shapes for decorating garments or home decorating Elastic projects. Because elastic needs to stretch for garment fit, the Zigzags also work well with double needles, but check zigzag stitch is the likely choice for securing it in place. your machine instruction book for any width limitations. It allows the elastic to stretch as needed without breaking stitches. Gathering Shell Edging Use a zigzag as a "casing" over heavy thread, dental floss or string to make gathering easy. Set the stitch Using a widely spaced zigzag over a folded fabric edge width to easily span the strand and avoid catching it, creates mini-scallop patterning, perfect for straps, then encase the length. Be very careful not to catch the lingerie or blouse , and pintuck embellishment. threads in the zigzagging, and for more even gathering, Varying the length, width and thread tension will use two rows (3). To , pull on the encased threads change how the scallop looks. to the desired length, then tie off. Sewing A zigzag stitch is used to attach by machine. Set the width to match the hole span in the button, and adjust the length to 0 so the machine stitches only back and forth in the holes. Some machines have an open- toe button foot to make it easier to see the holes.

Bartacking When a wide zigzag is sewn in one place, it's called a bartack. Bartacks are used at the upper corners of pockets for reinforcement and also to help secure belt 3 loops in place on a garment.

Trim Applications Like its cousin the , a zigzag can be used For more information on couching see SEW-lutions to sew on all kinds of trims and laces, either along the Guideline 17.215 Couching and for button sewing, see edge or down the center of the , depending on the Sew-lutions Guideline 14.105 Replacing a Button. desired visibility.

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